President Trump signed a proclamation declaring May 2026 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, restoring the Presidential Fitness Test and promoting youth athletics.
“This National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we celebrate the strength, discipline, and competitive spirit that reflect the American people,” the proclamation says. “We recognize the values and lessons that sports and fitness instill. Above all, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, expanding access to athletic opportunities, and ensuring every American has the chance to compete and succeed.”
The proclamation states that sports and fitness are central to the American identity, and the “greatness that defines our Nation is forged only through hard work, sweat, and an unrelenting demand for success.” It adds that the Trump administration is “ushering in a new Golden Age of physical fitness — expanding access to wellness for every American, promoting the many benefits of exercise and good nutrition, supporting youth sports, and celebrating a culture of strength, vitality, and excellence.”
“This month, we are reminded that a country is only as strong as its citizens,” the proclamation states. “I encourage all Americans to take steps to ensure they can live healthy and fulfilling lives through regular exercise and the joys of sports — improving the strength, vigor, and success of our Nation along the way.”
The proclamation aligns with President Trump’s 2025 order to reimplement the Presidential Fitness Test across U.S. schools. “For far too long, the physical and mental health of the American people has been neglected. Rates of obesity, chronic disease, inactivity, and poor nutrition are at crisis levels, particularly among our children. These trends weaken our economy, military readiness, academic performance, and national morale,” the order said.
